Cliff(y) Goes Travelling

LPQ-REP (2h) ATR 72-600 ETD: 1.40pm (GMT + 7)  ETA:  3.40pm (GMT + 7) Last year saw me taking a propeller plane for the first time in my life when I was in Fiji. Not only that, it turned out that I'd eventually be taking a total of four propeller plane flights. Flying with Lao Airlines wasn't the cheapest option for such a rudimentary flight, but I'd certainly like to experience it at least once in my life.

Phetsarat Road, Luang Prabang, Laos Located approximately 4 km away from the town centre, Luang Prabang International Airport has only got one terminal building serving both domestic and international flights. It's a small, yet pretty much clean and peaceful airport as there aren't that many flights operating daily.

Luang Prabang, Laos As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is certainly not to be missed when visiting Laos. In its recommendation in 1995, UNESCO cited that the town "reflects the exceptional fusion of Lao traditional architecture and 19th and 20th century European colonial style buildings".

10 Norrassan Road, Luang Prabang, Laos Daily: 12 noon - 3.00pm, 6.00pm - 10.30pm Prior to the trip, my BFF and I didn't do any research at all on Manda De Laos, a highly rated restaurant that houses three lotus ponds that have apparently been registered under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1995. My jaw dropped when I stepped into that cosy restaurant.

Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos Daily: 7.00am - 6.00pm Strategically situated at the heart of the old town of Luang Prabang, Laos, Mount Phou Si stands at 100 m. It goes without saying that the summit is a very popular destination to witness the panorama of the town and the surrounding countryside, especially at sunset.

Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos Daily: 8.00am - 11.30am, 1.30pm - 4.00pm A reflection of Lao and French beaux-arts architecture, the former Royal Palace built in 1904 was converted into a museum in 1975. Directly facing Mount Phou Si, the museum a glimpse of history of the region, housing many interesting artifacts.  

Khem Khong, Luang Prabang, Laos Daily: 8.00am - 5.00pm As one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the country, it's no surprise that Wat Xieng Thong (lit. Temple of the Golden City) is known as the icon and pride of Luang Prabang. Built in 1559 by King Setthathirath, the temple was where the Lao kings were crowned until 1975.

Near Kuang Si Waterfall Park, Luang Prabang, Laos Exhaustion got the better of us after trekking up Kuang Si Falls, or so we thought. Still, my BFF and I, as well as the Japanese couple we went together with since morning, asked our driver to bring us around the Hmong Village not too far from the Kuang Si Waterfall Park.

Kuang Si Waterfall Park, Luang Prabang, Laos Daily: 8.00am - 5.30pm After looking at all the Asiatic black bears, many of them were sleeping tightly, it was time to move forward to witness the beauty of the Kuang Si Falls. The water collects in turquoise blue pools as it flows downstream. The stunning colour is due to the high calcium carbonate content that reflects light in a particular way to create such a wonder.

Kuang Si Waterfall Park, Luang Prabang, Laos Daily: 8.00am - 5.30pm From elephants, let's move on to bears. Strategically located along the way to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, the non-profit rescue centre has been taking care of Asiatic black bears that were saved from illegal trading. These bears are endangered; the young cubs are often targeted by hunters after their mothers have been killed due to easy concealment and transportation.

Ban Noun Savath, Luang Prabang, Laos The most adventurous day in Luang Prabang, Laos began with a rather mundane van ride to a sanctuary that's All Lao Elephant Camp. For more than ten years at the point of writing, it has been rescuing elephants from the logging industry, giving them a new lease of life.

Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos Daily: 5.00pm - 11.00pm When the weather permits, a section of Sisavangvong Road in Luang Prabang, Laos, is cordoned off from vehicles starting from late afternoon for vendors to set up their stalls and arrange their merchandise for the visitors of the night market. It was so fun that I dropped by at all the three nights that I had in Luang Prabang.

15 Ban Phone Hueang, Unit 3 Kounxoa Road, Luang Prabang, Laos I recall spending a long time trying to decide which hotel to book as many hotels are having good reviews. In the end, my BFF and I decided on Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel (3*), which is conveniently located near many places of attractions. It boasts its fifteen tranquil rooms and two suites that are all facing the tropical courtyard garden.

BKK-LPQ (1h 35m) Airbus 319 ETD: 3.05pm (GMT + 7)  ETA:  4.40pm (GMT + 7) Who won't be excited to fly to a country that you've never been to before? Apart from the excitement of going into Luang Prabang, Laos, I also couldn't wait to hop into one of Bangkok Airways' aircraft, adding one more airline into my personal list of airlines that I've flown with.